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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.